Benefit Programs Specialist IV (King And Queen)

Hiring Range: $38,009 to Commensurate with experience

Full Time or Part Time: Full Time

Additional Detail

King and Queen Department of Social Services is seeking a Benefit Programs Specialist IV to support the Supervisor in leading a team of specialists that provide benefits to the citizens of our County. This position offers telework options for all Team Members.

Title Description- Benefit Programs Specialist IV represents the leadership level in the occupational group. Employees perform responsible lead work related to benefit programs. Employees are responsible for serving as lead worker and providing training and guidance to other Benefit Programs Specialists. Employees serve as support for the supervisor by performing tasks such as ensuring staff coverage, workload balance, training staff, reviewing case files, and providing backup supervision of staff. Employees may provide consultation on complex cases and may also work on complex case assignments which require dealing with information that is sensitive and confidential. Employees work within established policies, procedures and guidelines with a high degree of independence, seeking supervisory assistance only in unusually complicated and difficult cases/situations.

The following are illustrative of the daily tasks of the position:

General Work Tasks (Illustrative Only) -

• Serves as lead worker and assists supervisor by conducting program training for staff, reviewing case files and providing back-up supervision of staff;

• Serves as a resource to staff by answering questions related to policies and procedures, suggesting effective methods of case management, and providing consultation regarding complex cases;

• Prepares case records and reports;

• Works on the most complex and sensitive cases;

• Interprets policies and procedures applicable to the various benefit programs, assists staff and clients in issues related to initial and continuing determination of eligibility of individuals and families;

• Collects and compiles statistics from caseloads;

• Provides training to other eligibility workers on an individual or group basis;

• Coordinates training programs and orientation for new employees and clients;

• Explores alternative sources of income and assistance;

• Responds to inquiries from the public concerning public assistance programs and eligibility requirements;

• Ensures that established deadlines are met;

• Prepares monthly reports and maintains records of activities;

• Assists in training new staff on policy and procedural matters; and

• Coordinates and interacts with other community resources and partners to assist clients in meeting assessed needs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Comprehensive knowledge of: applicable laws, codes, policies, and procedures, including including civil and Circuit Court procedures; basic human behavior, social problems and resources, and interviewing techniques; social, economic, health, and cultural factors which can serve as barriers to employment; and counseling techniques.

Skill in operating a personal computer and the associated office and agency software.

Demonstrated ability to manage complex cases; read and interpret policies and regulations sufficient to make decisions independently in a variety of public assistance programs; train staff; speak in public, promoting agency programs; develop brochures and pamphlets and use audio-visual equipment; share learned information with co-workers; communicate effectively and diplomatically both orally and in writing with board spectrum of individuals to include, but not limited to, customers, employers, courts, and medical professionals in person and on the phone; interview, gather information, reevaluate each client's situation and make referrals; determine a client's ownership share in situations where multi-ownership exist; assess client's needs through collection and analysis of employment history and pertinent personal, family and cultural information; use various types of automated technology to establish and maintain case records, access data such as estates, retirement accounts, and real estate, reports, and manipulate data; maintain professional ethics related to confidentiality; exercise sound judgment, discretion, tact and resourcefulness in solving problems and drawing logical conclusions; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with applicants and recipients, other public and private agencies, associates, and the public in a positive and tactful manner under sometimes stressful situations;

Same as required in Benefit Program Specialist III with additional work experience in a leadership role and benefit programs OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience in benefit programs and completion of Benefit Programs training.

Prior work experience in a Local Department of Social Services office.

Experience with agency related software.

Special Requirements:

All applicants are subject to a DMV driving record check, pre-employment drug screen, and CPS and criminal history search. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks(State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education( relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks requested by the hiring authority. Employee must be willing to work in community emergency response capacity in the event of a natural disaster or emergency.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications for this position must be submitted electronically through this website. Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand delivered applications and resumes will not be accepted. The website will provide a confirmation of receipt when the application is submitted for consideration. Consideration for an interview is based solely on the information within the application and/or resume. Please refer to your account for the status of your application and this position.

This position is open until filled but applications received before March 24, 2024 will be given priority.